by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Little Joke ($7,50) was all business on
Wednesday night (May 19) as she waited patiently then sprung into action in the
stretch to post the victory in Buffalo Raceway's $10,000 Filly and Mare
Class A-Open Handicapped Pace in a seasonal best 1:56.3.
After a four length romp last week in the Class A-B pace in
1:57.3, Little Joke (Drew Monti) was prepared to return to tougher but familiar
territory, battling the top level distaffer pacers.
Robintheatm (Jim Morrll Jr.) immediately shot to the
lead off the starting gate and registered fractions of :29.1, :57.4 and 1:27.0
over the fast track. Those were reasonable enough splits but turning for home,
Robintheatm felt the walls closing in on her..
With a cavalry line setting up behind the leader, the pocket
sitting Little Joke led the charge down the passing lane and was quickest of
all, taking the length victory. Xenia's Chip (David McNeight III) rallied late
for second while Greenhilldebatable (Shawn McDonough) placed third.
Co-owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and
Adelphia Bloodstock, it was the fourth win in 10 attempts this season for
Little Joke (Bettor's Delight-Town Joke). The 9-year-old mare, trained by Maria
Rice, has now earned $22,520 in 2021 and $340,093 lifetime.
Kevin Cummings led the way for the drivers with three
victories while McDonough and Jim McNeight Jr. doubled. Lee Dahn and Angelo
Nappo each conditioned a pair of winners.
Racing will continue on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a
12-race card scheduled.
For more information including the latest news, race
replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
